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Member since 4/12/08
Posts: 4
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Re: Opinions on Elna SU from 1974? (posted on 4/12/08 11:19 PM ET)
Hi all, I am a fashion student and want to get a reliable machine for sewing garments. I used Berninas in high school and college and read that older Elnas are good too. I'm looking at a machine that looks almost identical to this one and is from 1974:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ELNA-SUPERMATIC-SEWING-MACHINE-WITH-METAL-CASE_W0QQitemZ130213463190QQihZ003QQcategoryZ83962QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone know if the price is about right or what the range should be? I'm NOT buying the one on ebay, but one that my mom's friend said she would sell me and I'm not sure how much to pay for it or if its worth it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

-- Edited on 4/12/08 11:20 PM --
-- Edited on 4/12/08 11:21 PM --
  
Member since 8/29/04
Posts: 566
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Posted on: 4/13/08 0:05 AM ET
In reply to pearly0327
This is one of the good Elnas. (particular seller is doubtful, but you already said that does not apply) The first incarnation of Elna's escapement type thread handling mechanism was very touchy. It became such a problem that they stopped using it until they worked out the bugs, and the second try was very smooth. The only minor problem that is common to these is a broken gear in the arm, which is no big deal to replace. The only major problem is if they have motor issues, which are uncommon.

Bill Holman
  
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